Masting

Japanese researchers from Nagoya University have revealed new aspects of the interaction between mast plants or mass seeding plants, i.e. plants that spread their seeds at once like Sasa bamboo and field mice. Their research reveals that mouse behavior (which varies between species, and varies according to environmental conditions and seasons) plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and ecosystem health in forests, and challenges existing theories about seed storage and consumption. Credit: Reiko Matsushita

Scientists reveal fascinating connections between mice and a plant that blooms once in a hundred years

Their findings highlight the importance of understanding the needs of both plants and animals to ensure the health of local ecosystems. They also overturn a previously held belief about how mice store